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AERONCA 7AC accident at Firebaugh, CA, 1 Sept 2025
On September 1, 2025, an AERONCA 7AC operated by BUGSMASHERS INC was involved in an aviation accident near Firebaugh, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of directional control during landing due to the partial separation of the right main landing gear oleo strut from a failed weld. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
A loss of directional control during landing due to the partial separation of the right main landing gear oleo strut from a failed weld.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
Main gear strut/axle/truck — FailureAttain/maintain not possible
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Sept 2025 AERONCA 7AC accident near Firebaugh, CA?
A loss of directional control during landing due to the partial separation of the right main landing gear oleo strut from a failed weld.
Were there any fatalities in the 1 Sept 2025 AERONCA 7AC accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Sept 2025 involved an AERONCA 7AC, operated by BUGSMASHERS INC, at Firebaugh, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A loss of directional control during landing due to the partial separation of the right main landing gear oleo strut from a failed weld.
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